JIATF-401 Selects Five Installations for Directed-Energy C-UAS Pilot - Inside Unmanned Systems
AI Analysis
JIATF-401 will deploy directed-energy C-UAS systems (high-energy laser & high-powered microwave) to five US military installations – Fort Huachuca, Fort Bliss, Naval Base Kitsap, Grand Forks AFB, and Whiteman AFB – as part of a pilot program authorized by the FY26 NDAA. This initiative follows successful safety validations at White Sands Missile Range and coordination with the FAA and USNORTHCOM, paving the way for domestic airspace employment. Operations are slated to begin later this year, following 180 days of deployment planning.
Key Takeaways
- Five installations selected for directed-energy C-UAS pilot program: Fort Huachuca (AZ), Fort Bliss (TX), Naval Base Kitsap (WA), Grand Forks AFB (ND), Whiteman AFB (MO).
- The program will utilize both high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems.
- Prior testing at White Sands Missile Range validated the safety of directed-energy systems around passenger aircraft.
- JIATF-401 acknowledges a layered C-UAS approach is necessary, indicating no single solution exists.
- The pilot program supports the southern border mission, highlighting a key operational area for C-UAS technology.
Why It Matters
This pilot program represents a significant step towards fielding operational directed-energy C-UAS capabilities within the US homeland defense architecture. Successful deployment will enhance protection against a growing drone threat, particularly in critical infrastructure and border security scenarios. The emphasis on safety and FAA coordination is crucial for wider adoption of these technologies in civilian airspace.
JIATF-401 Selects Five Installations for Directed-Energy C-UAS Pilot - Inside Unmanned Systems
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has selected five military installations to host a directed-energy counter-UAS pilot program authorized under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
a drone operator assigned to the Army Unmanned Aerial Systems Mission Assurance team, operates a small unmanned aerial system while Ari Snipes, a drone operator with the team, prepares a small UAS at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, April 23, 2026. Credit: Hayden Hallman, Air Force.
The sites — Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Naval Base Kitsap, Wash.; Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.; and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. — were chosen to support evaluation across diverse environments and mission sets, including the southern border mission.
The program will field high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems as part of a layered C-UAS architecture. “Countering unlawful and adversarial drone activity is a homeland defense imperative,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ to address this challenge, and this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department’s broader counter-drone toolkit.”
The pilot builds on a joint demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., where directed-energy systems were validated as posing no undue risk to passenger aircraft, and a subsequent safety risk assessment establishing procedures for domestic airspace employment. Both milestones were conducted in coordination with U.S. Northern Command and the FAA. Deployment plans will be finalized with installation commanders over the next 180 days, with operations expected to begin later this year.